According to the Department of Agriculture and Development (DARD) for Northern Ireland, the Department is aware of an outbreak of Salmonella Gallinarum at an egg production unit in Fermanagh. This type of salmonella is non-notifiable and the control of the disease is a matter for the company.

On this occasion, the Department assisted the company with depopulation. This was done efficiently and has resulted in a humane and rapid depopulation of the affected house which was one of three on the site.

This outbreak is unusual in two ways, firstly isolation of Salmonella Gallinarum is rare in the UK and secondly, in this form, it is more commonly a disease of backyard flocks rather than commercial ones.

Salmonella Gallinarum is a poultry adapted strain of Salmonella bacteria and is considered to pose a minimal risk to humans.

Further Reading Find out more information on fowl typhoid by clicking here.